Laundry machine



Oct. 11, 1938. w. K. voss ET AL LAUNDRY MACHINE Filed April 9, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 1521061073/5: wall/ten" hf V055, JVZC/hUZ/cw LEW/B71), M m w Oct. 11, 1938. 'W. K. VOSS ET AL 2,133,233

LAUNDRY MACHINE Filed April 9, 1932 I 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Oct. 11, 1938. w, K. voss H 2,13s 233 LAUNDRY MACHINE Filed April 9, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 l'zg. 9. 105

Hll 8Q dV lichol/ 6 L. Ffitem Patented Oct. 11, 1938.

. UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE LAUNDRY MACHINE Walter x. Voss, Davenport, and Nicholas 1. Et-

ten, Waterloo, Iowa; said Etten assignor to said You Application April 9, 1932, Serial NIL-604,178

' 62 Claims. '(01. 68-253) The invention relates generally to laundry machines and the general aim of the invention is to provide a laundry machine having a-maximum safety factor, particularly with respect to a 5" wringer throughout every manipulative movement of the machine, is protected'against injury.

An object of the invention is to provide a new and improved safety mechanism whereby an m operator may stop the machine by any one of a number ofpossible movements.

Another object is to provide, in a mechanism embodying two opposed pressure members, an.

electrically operable safety mechanism for relieving the pressure between said members upon the application of a slight amount of force to any one of a number of conveniently located control devices.

Another object is to provide a new and imaoproved 'means for simultaneously relieving an operating pressure -on driven cooperative elements and interrupting the drive to the elements.

A further object is to provide a novel means for relieving an operating pressure on driven co- 26- operating elements when the driving means stops while in driving connection with said elements andfor preventing reassembly of the elements along as the driving connection is established. Still another object resides in the provision of cooperating elements having optionally controlled lirivenmovement and operating under pressure, in which such pressure can be maintained when the power to the driving connection is interrupted, only if the driving connection is disengaged. r

, A further object is to provide a novel mechanism'embodying combinations of several or all .of the operative features expressed in the preceding objects.

40 A further object is to provide means.such as a pilot light, for indicating a connection of the control circuit with a power line.

Another object of the invention is to provide 5 a new and improved mechanism'for creating .and maintaining an operative pressure between two relatively movable rolls.

. In conjunction with the foregoing object,'the

invention embodies a novel mechanism wherein 5 the pressure between the rolls may be maintained by means which is not directly subjected to the pressure exerted on the rolls and which,

therefore, may always be actuated by a very slight force to relieve-said pressure even though an unusual pressure, greatly in excess of normechanism whereby an operator,-

mal operating pressures, is intentionally or accidentally produced between the rolls.

Still another object is to provide, in a wringer embodying separable frame members in which the rolls are journalled and which have a separating movement as pressure onthe rolls is relieved, novel means for limiting such relative movement of .the frame members is prevent a complete separation as well as to maintain a proper relation of said frame members whereby reassemblyof the mechanism is facilitated.

A further object is to provide a novel instantly releasable mechanism for maintaining the pressure on cooperating rolls, which mechanism is capable of being held against release by a substantially constant, relatively small force.

Another object resides in the provision of an interlocking means for releasably holding cooperating wringer rolls under operative pressure which embodies interlocks at each end of the rolls, one interlock being releasable as anincident to the release of the other, which other interlock'in turn is operatively maintained by a relatively small holding force amply increased, as by a system of levers, to oppose any operative as pressure on the rolls. v

Still another object is to provide instantly releasable means for holding wringer rolls under .operative pressure which is well adapted for ciated therewith.

Fig. 3 is'a plan view of the wringer mechanism, the protecting casing .of the electrical control mechanism being broken away.

Figs. 4 and 5 are vertical transverse sectional views through the wringer mechanism taken along the lines H and 5-5, respectively, Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a perspective viewof a detail of a switch supporting member.

Fig. 7 isf a fragmentary side'elevation of the wringer on'can enlarged scale. 456

Fig; 8 is a wiring diagram showing the control circuits.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged sectional view through the electrical control mechanism taken as indicated by the lines 9-9 in Fig. 10.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged vertical sectional view illustrating the electromagnetic device and the parts associated therewith and is taken along the line Ill-l0 of Fig. 9.

Figs; 11 to 1'7, inclusive, are perspective views showing details of machine structure.

Machine organization in general In general, the machine organization which has been selected for the purpose of illustrating the present invention is a washing machine, indicated at (Fig. 1), having a wringer mechanism 2i associated therewith. The preferred driving means is an electric motor 22, supported in a suitable manner beneath the tub 23 of thev ventional type, and is illustrated in dotted outline at 28 (Fig. 2). The device is, in this instance,

' operable by a clutch shaft 29 (Fig. 2) and hand lever 30 to connect one of the rolls of the wringer with the motor driven shaft 26 for rotation in either direction.

The wringer embodies the usual pair of wringer rolls arranged to be placed and normally maintained under pressure by a latching means which may be electromagnetically controlled. Where the electromagnetic control is employed, circuits are utilized for permitting certain operations to be carried on as well as to instantly relieve the pressure between the wringer rolls by releasing the latching means upon the occurrence of any one of a number of manipulations by the operator. The mechanical structure of the wringer and the coordination therewith of an electric control mechanism will be. hereinafter more fully described.

The wringer construction The preferred wringer construction embodies a supporting means comprising two separable sections constituting a frame section 3| and a head section 32. The frame 3| is formedof a horizontal base member 33 and upwardly extending side frame members 34 and 35, the side frame member 34 being shown at the right-hand side of the wringer as illustrated in Fig. 2. The base member 33 (as shown in Fig. 17) comprises an elongated downwardly facing channel-shaped member, the'base portion of which at each end is turned upwardly and thence outwardly to provide horizontal bearing supports 36 which are offset with respect to the base. Extensions 3'! from both ends of the sides of the base member underlie the bearing supports 35.

The side frame members 34 and are substantially similar and, as shown in Fig. 13, comprise elongated, substantially tubular members having slots 38 extending longitudinally through the inner faces thereof. The lower ends of the side frame members are arranged to be embraced by and are rigidly secured to the extensions 3'2 on the base 33 with the bearing supports 35 extending through the lower portions of the slots 39. Referring to Fig. 2, the tubular side members 34 and 35 provide channels for slidably receiving lower half-bearings 39 which rest on the bearing supports 35. The frame 3| supports lower and upper wringer rolls 80, M, respectively, which are fixed on shafts 42, 43, the ends of which extend beyond the ends of the rolls and through the slots 38. The ends of the lower shaft are journalled in the bearings 39, and in the present embodiment one end of the shaft for the lower wringer roll 52, illustrated in Fig. 2 as the left-hand end, has a connection, generally indicated at 4, with the clutch controlled driving mechanism 28 located within the gear box 28. The upper wringer roll 4| is driven by frictional engagement with the lower wringer roll 40 and the ends of its shaft 43 are journalled in down wardly facing half bearings 45 located within the channels of the side frame members and resting upon the ends of the shaft.

The head section 32 is, in this instance, in the form of an elongated dish-like member arranged to extend between the side frame members and having the ends thereof fashioned to fit telescopically over the upper ends of the side frame members. The extent of such telescoping movement is preferably limited by such means as lugs 45 (Fig. 13) struck outwardly'from the sides of the frame members 34, 35. Preferably, the margin of the head is turned outwardly, as at 41 (Fig. 2), to facilitate movement of the head over the ends of the side'frame members. Centrally, the head has screw-threaded engagement with a pressure applying screw 48 which extends vertically throughthe head and within the head is rotatably connected by a suitable collar 49 to an elongated leaf spring 50 which extends substantially the full length of the head into overlying relation to the upper bearings 45.

Latching mechanism The leaf spring 59 is for the purpose of oreating wringing pressure on the lower and upper rolls 40 and through the application of force to the upper bearings 45 and, thence, to the upper wringer roll. Such force can obviously be applied to the upper wringer roll only when the head and frame sections are connected against relative movement, and a novel means is provided for latching the head and frame sections together. In the present embodiment, this means comprises the following arrangement of parts.

Pivotally secured to the head section 32, near opposite ends thereof, are elongated U-shaped latch members 5|, 52 which depend from the head into the channels of the side frame members 34, l

' in which the ends of transversely extending rollers 54 (Figs. 2, 4 and 5) are slidably and rotatably mounted. These rollers are adapted to engage the upper faces of the upper bearing blocks 45 and to occupy a position between said blocks andthe ends of the leaf spring 50. The purpose of the rollers will be hereinafter more fully explained. Preferably, the upper ends of the slots 53 are enlarged to receive bolts 55 or'the like which extend therethrough and through the side walls of the head 32 pivotally to secure the head and latch members 5|, 52 together.

Means for loosely connecting the upper wringer roll shaft 43 with the latch members 5| and 52 upon upward movement of the head is preferably provided so that such movement will carry the upper wringer roll 4| away from the lower wringer roll 40. To this end, pins 56 supported by and extending transversely between the arms of the latch members 5|, 52 are disposed immediately beneath the ends of the upper wringer roll shaft 43.

It should be noted that the base portions of the U-shaped latch members 5|, 52 underlie the bearing supports 36 in the channels of the side frame members and that this relationship prevents the head 32 from being withdrawn entirely free of the frame. Moreover, the relationship of the latch members with the side frame members definitely maintains the head and frame sections in proper relationship whereby to facilitate reassembly of the mechanism after any releasing operation.

The present interlock between the head and frame sections, of which the latch members 5|, 52 are a part, is characterized in that the interlock holds the head and frame sections together regardless of the pressure. between the wringer rolls, yet may be so maintained by the application of a relatively small, substantially constant holding force which is independent of and unaffected by the pressure on the wringer rolls. The principal advantage inherent in such a relationship is that the operator, in relieving the pressure between the rolls in an emergency, does not have to trip the mechanism against the force of the pressure on the wringer rolls but is merely required to overcome the-relatively small holding force.

Describing a preferred means by which this relationship is effected, one of the latching members, in this instance the member 5|, which is shown in Fig. 16 and is disposed at the right-hand side of the wringer as illustrated in Fig. 2, has transversely alined notches 51 formed in the arms to face inwardlyof the wringer frame. A transverse latching pin 56 (Figs. 2 and 5) fixed in the sides of the frame member 34 is engaged by the notches when the head section 32- is properly assembled with the frame. It should be noted (see Fig. 2) that when the parts are so arranged, the latching member 5| slopes outwardly of the frame from top to bottom and that the base of the latching member is in abutment with the outer side of the frame member 34 to hold the latch engaged.

The bases of the notches 57, against which the pin 58 rests in resisting a separating movement of the head from the frame, have inner fiat portions 59, which directly abut the pin 58 when the parts are operatively assembled, and outer curved parts 66 constituting cam surfaces for completing a movement of the latching member 5| out of engagement with the pin 58 upon an initialslight lateral movement of the member 5|.

.The other latching member 52 is so pivoted to the head 32 that it extends through the frame member 35 with one side of the latching mem- 62 mounted on the base member 33.

The catch device (see Fig. 15) is of generally U-shaped cross section arranged to be positionedbetween the sides of the base member 33 and pivotally mounted thereon by such means as a bolt 63 extending through ears 64 on the base member and alined apertures 65 in the arms of the device. Preferably, the device 62 is centered for proper engagement with the base 6| by a washer 62 interposed between one side of the catch device and the base and a spring 62 compressed between the other side of the device and the base. The catch device is provided with a pair of transversely alined hooks 66, the upper faces of which are arcuate to allow the base 6| of the latching member to cam past the hooks. As may be seen in Fig. 2, the parts are arranged so that the effective point of engagement of the catch device and base is arranged almost directly to oppose a separating movement of the latching device by the force of the spring but is slightly oif-center so that, if the catch device is not held, the spring force may effect such separating movement. Therefore, the latches are normally insuflicient to resist the spring pressure exerted on the rolls.

For maintaining the catch device in engagement with the latching member and thus restrain the latches against the normal tendency thereof toward release, means is provided which is effective to multiply a slight holding force a sufilcient number of times to overcome any force.

tion- Since the lever is relatively long, it will be evident that, if-the holding force is applied :3v is arranged to be engaged by a catch device at or near the upper end of the lever, the effect of the holding force will be substantially increased.

For thepurpose of holding the lever, a finger 10 (Fig. 7) extends laterally therefrom near the upper end 'thereof and is provided with an antifriction roller H which is arranged to be engaged by 'a hook 12 or the like carried by a yieldably movable arm 13. Thus, the yieldable arm 13 may be maintained against movement to re-' lease the finger 10 by the application of a rela tively small force regardless of the force which is created by the pressure on the wringer rolls- The holding force on the arm 13 may be readily overcome by the operator in moving the lever 6'l-to break the engagement between the roller II and hook 12 and to facilitate movement of the lever a finger piece 14 (Figs. 4 and is provided on the upper end thereof. v a

The operation of the above described anism is as follows, it being consideredthat the head 32 is latched to the frame 3| as shown in Fig. 2.

movement, permits the pressure on the wringer rolls 40 and 4| to break the engagement of the hooks 66 on the catch device 62 with the base 6| of the latching member 52 thereby allowing y Y the associated end of the head 32 to move upwardly away from the frame. As the end of the head clears the frame, the head is permitted a slight lateral movement (to the right in mech I The operator, by striking the fingerpiece 14,0r otherwise releasing the lever 61 for Fig. 2), which movement carries the latching member 5| sideways to release the notches 51 from the latching pin 58 and thereby free this end of the head for separating movement with respect to the frame. It will be understood, of course, that this sequence of movement occurs substantially simultaneously so that, upon movement of the lever 61, the head 32 will be instantly released from the frame to relieve the pressure on the wringer rolls.

In operation there is normally a heavy pressure on the wringer rolls, which pressure increases tremendously when an object, such as an accumulation of clothes, enters therebetween. If, while the machine is in this condition, the latching mechanism is tripped, the parts which are separable from the wringer frame proper are apt to be thrown violently therefrom with consequent danger to the operator. Even if the separable parts only move a distance of a few inches, some part of the operator's body is apt to be struck thereby with resulting injury. An important feature of the present device, therefore, is the arrangement by which the impulse given the parts by the released spring tension is so confined that the resultant movement of the separable parts is no greater than is necessary to accomplish the purpose.

As shown clearly in Figs. 2 and '7, the pins 54 which extend transversely between the upper ends of the arms of the latching members 5| and 52 and, in operation are disposed intermediate the upper face of the bearing blocks 45 and the ends of the leaf spring 50, are mounted for sliding movement in the elongated slots 53. The slots are so dimensioned that the lower ends thereof extend downwardly beyond the upper faces of the bearing blocks 45 when the parts are operatively assembled. As much tension as is required may, therefore, be placed on the bearing blocks 45 by the tensioning screw 48 and the upper roll 4| is free to move upwardly away from the lower roll 40 as an article is passed between the rolls. Moreover, this arrangement automatically compensates for differences in the length of theupper bearings and, of more importance, for the 'wear of the wringer rolls.

When the latching mechanism is tripped to free the latch members 5|, 52 for movement, the head 32 and its associated parts are forced upwardly by the force of the spring 50 exerted between the head and the bearing blocks. As this action of the spring occurs, the pins 54 move downwardly in the slots 53 until the lower ends of the slots are engaged, thereby positively preventing further application of spring force to move the head upwardly. It may be said, therefore, that, 'since the tension on the spring is never completely relieved, the effect of the spring in separating the parts is confined to an initial release of spring tension. Violent movement of the head cannot possibly exceed substantially the distance through which the pins 54 travel in reaching the ends of the slots 53 and the pins constitute means which is shiftable, as the tension applying device is released for forcedissipating movement, to limit the tension relieving movement of the device. It should be noted that, while the initial dissipation of spring energy dqesnot of itself result in a separation of the frame members to an appreciable extent, it is effective to unlock the frame members for free movement so that there is no pressure exerted on the rolls and an object therebetween may be easily withdrawn. To reassemble the mechanism after release, the

pressure applying screw 48 is turned to release the pressure which has been trapped or confined in the spring 50. The end of the head carrying the latching member 5| is fitted telescopically over the corresponding end of the frame and the head moved laterally (to the left in Fig. 2) to effect engagement between the notches 51 and pin 58. The other end of the head is then depressed over the upper end of its corresponding frame member and the lever 6'! moved laterally into engagement with the holding arm 13. Operative pressure is then created between the wringer rollers by the screw 48.

In order to prevent movement of the lever 61 into engagement with its holding means, it is desirable to provide a shiftable stop which prevents such movement of the lever when the mechanism is not in position to be latched. To this end, the presentconstruction embodies a stop pin 51 (Figs. 4 and 7) which is carried by the latch arm next adjacent the lever 6! and projects through an elongated slot 51 in the side wall of the frame member 35. The arrangement of the pin 51* and lever 61 is such that the head of the pin 6! engages the side of the lever 61 to prevent movement thereof toward its holding means in all positions of the head relative to the frame except when the head and frame are properly assembled.

Electric control mechanism While any suitable means may be provided for controlling the holding operation of the arm 13, it is preferred to utilize electrically actuated means for this purpose in order that the lever 81 may be released to trip the latching mechanism upon the occurrence of any one of av number of releasing manipulations. One preferred form of means for obtaining this end is best seen in Figs. '7, 9 and 10 and comprises an electromagnetic device I5 rigidly mounted upon a base 16 which, in this embodiment, is supported upon or is formed as an integral part of the gear box 28.

-The wringer proper is rigidly supported, as by means of the bracket 11, from the gear box and the parts are so arranged that the finger 10 on the lever 61 extends toward the electromagnet 15. The yieldable holding arm I3 is rigid with a bar 18 which is mounted for movement on a horizontal pivot 19 supported by the base or a part afiixed thereto. This swinging movement of the bar is toward and away from the exposed face of the electromagnetic core 30 and the bar carries an inset piece of magnetic steel 8| in opposition to said face. The bar 18 and inset piece 8| in effect comprise the armature of the electromagnet. -The arm I3 extends from the bar 18 in such manner that, when the bar I8 is swung toward the electromagnet by energization thereof, the hook 12 will be moved into holding engagement with the roller II, and, when the electromagnet is deenergized, swinging movement of the bar 18 releases said engagement. The pivot 1 9 is so disposed that gravity will induce a movement of the armature away from the electromagnet.

Preferably, the face of the hook 12, which is engaged by the roller H is arcuate so that, when the parts are fully engaged, the roller is'opposed by an almost fiat surface, but only a short relative movement is necessary to place a sharper slope of the surface opposite the roller, whereby any force acting on the lever 61 to withdraw the finger III is sufficient to break the engagement.

It should be noted that the end of the finger I0 extends beyond the roller II, as at 82, for engagement with the bar 18 whereby movement of the lever 81 to bring the catch device 82 and latching member 82 together is effective to swing the armature toward the electromagnet.

Energization of the electromagnet is eifected by a circuit which embodies a plurality of circuit breakers or switches for interrupting the flow of current to the electromagnet. The following identification of these circuit breakers is given,

. reference being had to Fig. 8 and it being understood that the terminology applied to each circuit breaker is merely for convenience indescrip thin. The numeral 88 designates a master switch which controls the energization of the electromagnet. This switch is preferably closed in the movement of the lever 81 to engage the latching mechanism for the wringer rolls. An impact switch 84 is arranged to open the circuit to the electrbmagnet upon the movement by the operator of certain members to be presently described. A clutch switch 88 is included in the electromagnetic energizing-circuit and is so associated with the clutch mechanism that the switch is open when the clutch is in any other than a neutral position. A switch 88 is for the purpose of controlling the operation of the main driving motor 22.

The mechanicalv structure of each of these switches will be described in order. The master switch 88 is best illustrated in Figs. 3, '1 and 18.

The 'electromagnet I8 immediately abovethe .exposed face ofthecore 88 carries an insulating block'8'l which has a pair of electrically independent, horizontally spaced contact points 88 and 88 mounted thereon. The outer face of the bar I8 carries an insulating block 88 which extends above the upper end of the bar to support a heavy, transversely extending conductor 8| in-opposition'to the contact points 88 and 88. In mounting the block 88 on the. bar I8, it is preferred that limited movement of the block relative to the bar ,be permitted and tothis end the block is secured to the-bar by a pair, of screws 82, 88 which extend rather loosely through apertures in the block into the bar and the upper one of which has a spring 84 bearing 5 between a washer 88 on the screw and the block normally to force the block towardthe bar.

' As may be seen in Figs. 7 and 10, the contact points 88, 88 are arranged to engage the conductor 8I before the armature is drawn into close abutment with the face of the core 88 whereby to tilt the block 88 outwardly relative to the bar 18 and place the spring 84- under tension.

, This relationship serves a dual purpose; first,

positively to insure contact between the points 88, 88 I,and the spanning conductor 8I in order to close the circuit and" energize the electromagnet before the armature and; electromagnet core become engaged, and, second, to impart a" slight force for snapping the armature away from the core the instant the energizing cir-.

edit for 'the-electromagnet is broken whereby to effect a quick breaking of the circuit through thels'witch 88, as well as, to provide an" in t al releasing movement of the element-I8.

The construction of the impact switch 84 and the parts associated'therewith will now be described, reference being had to Figs. 3, 4,- 5 and 9. The base 1.8- has secured thereto a switch ,frame 88, the preferred form of which, as shown in Fig. 14, comprises a tubular, generally rec-. taugular member arranged to be secured to'the base through apertures 81 with the open sides of the frame facing horizontally. Each end of the frame on both sides thereof is provided with horizontally alined notches 88 to receive bars 88 (Figs. 2 and 8) of a suitable insulating material. A headed bolt I88 or the like.extends through both barsbetween the ends of the frame and has a spring I8I bearing between one of thebars and the bolt head I82 for exerting a Iorcenormally urging the bars toward each other. Each bar carries an. electrical contact I88 arranged for engagement when the bars 88 are in their normal, spring pressed position.

The switch is arranged on the base 18 so that i the bars have one end thereof positioned adiacent to and pointing toward the .wringer. The other or inner ends of the bars are embraced by a centrally apertured plate I84 (Figs. 8 and 12) which is secured to the end of the switch 8 traversing the wringer frame. adjacent the top of the upper wringer roll and with the side legs extending downwardly along the side frame members 84, 88. Near the extremities of the legs, the-members-Ifl are pivotally secured, as at I88, to arms I8I-which are rigid with the wringer frame. The members I88 will, for convenience, be termed impact bars and-it will be seen that the bars are movable toward'or' away from the I wringer frame by a push or pull. Moreover, the

impact bars are so arranged with respect to the Li frame 'that, should some part of the operator's body becomeeaught between the wringer rolls,

the operator can scarcely avoid striking or moving one or the other of the bars. Preferably,.thej impact bars I88 are connected by transverserods I88 so that the impact bars may move as a unit. That bar whichis adjacent to the'control mechanism has alaterally extending finger I88 (Fig.8) arranged to be interposed between the proiecting ends of the insulated 88 on theimpact switch 84. In consequence of ,this arrangement, movement of either impact bar toward or away from the wringer frame will cause the finger, I88 to engage one or the other of thebars 88 to break a. circuit through the contacts TI88. The spring "I, which normally holds the switch bars 88 together,is of ample strength to return the impact bars I88to their normal:

position when the relieved. Thestructure of the clutch switch 88 is sub-. stantially the same as the structure of the impact switch 84 and embodies-a U-shaped frame II8 (Fig. 6) arranged to be secured to the base actuating pressure thereon is I8 with one end of the frame adjacent to the clutch actuating shaft 28. The opposite sides of the ends of the frame have notches III to 'receive bars M 8, I I8 of insulating material which carryswitch contacts II4 disposed between the ends of'the frame. The insulating bars II! and H8 are normally urged toward each other by a bolt and spring arrangement, generally indicated II8, which is similar to that employed for the same purpose in the impact switch 84. One of the insulated bars, in thisinstance, the bar I I8- extends past the clutch operating shaft 28 and through a notch 'I I6 cut therein. The notch is so arranged that, when the clutch mechanism is in neutral, the notch is fully presented to receive the bar N3, under which circumstances the contacts H4 are in engagement to close a circuit therethrough. Should the clutch operating shaft 29 be rotated in either direction to establish a driving connection for rotating the wringer roils in one direction or the other, such movement of the shaft cams the insulating member i 93 outwardly to break the engagement between the contacts M4 and interru'ptthe circuit therethrough.

The motor switch 86 is of conventional type embodying two circuit breakers 943 and i149 (Fig. 8) for simultaneously interrupting separate circuits, said circuit breakers being manipulable b means of a finger piece ill (Figs. 1, 2, 3). The switch 86 is mounted upon the side wall of a casing H9 with the finger piece ill projecting therefrom for convenient manipulation by the operator. The casing H8 is arranged to enclose the various elements constituting the mechanical parts of the electrical mechanism disposed on the base :76 and is normally secured to the gear box in any suitable manner. The casing is, of course, appropriately apertured to permit the clutch shaft 29 to extend therefrom and to allow the latching finger i9 on'the lever 6'! and the switch actuating finger I199 on the rod #88 to extend therethrough.

The present structure embodies means, herein shown as being a pilot light I I9 (Fig. 2), for indicating a flow of current to the control mechanism, said pilot light being arranged, as will hereinafter become apparent, to be lighted whenever the safety release mechanism is connected with the source of current. For compactness the lamp socket I20 is preferably mounted upon an insulating base I2! which, in turn, is secured to the upper side I22 (Fig. 14) of the impact switch frame 96. The pilot light is visible through a lens I23 (Fig. 2) carried by the casing II8.

With reference to Fig. l, the driving mechanism for the wringer rolls herein illustrated is of the well-known type wherein the gear box 28 and the wringer carried thereby may be adjusted about the wringer drive shaft 26 as an axis tovarious operative positions, as determined by a catch I24 pivoted on a part which is stationary with the gear box and engageable with notches I25 in a stationary flange I28. Inasmuch as the elec- V tric control mechanism is closely associated with the movable Wringer an insulated cable I26 containing the leads and wires connecting said mechanism with the source of current may be conducted (as shown in Fig. l) downwardly through the concealing sleeve 21 for the wringer drive shaft to a suitable point on the machine, thus concealing and protecting the cable without interfering with the adjusting movements of the wringer.

Control circuit In describing the electrical circuits embodied in the present device, particular reference is had to Fig. 8. At some suitable point on the washing machine, as on the base I21 (Fig. 1) thereof, a distributor box I28 is mounted, which box carries one part of a three-point connecting jack H9. The points are designated I139, i3I and 832 (Fig.

8). From two of the points, as points 539, i3i,-.

wires 033, i3 9, respectively, lead to the points of an ordinary plug E35 by which the device may be connected with a power line or other suitable source of current (not shown). A lead I36 connects one side of the winding for the motor 22 with the source of current through the point I30 and a lead I31 connects the other side of the motor winding with the third point I32. The wires and leads (I33, 534, I36 and 831 are connected to the stationary part of the jack 029, while the connections to be presently described are attached to the complementary and movable part thereof, which, for convenience, is not shown in Fig. 8.

From the point 1139, a wire I33 extends to one side of the pilot lamp H9, thence through a wire 039 around the lamp and through the energizing winding 54!) of the electromagnetic device l5. A lead MI connects the other side of the winding $148 with one of the contacts I93 on the impactswitch 34, the other contact 993 being connected by a lead E42 with one contact of the circuit breaker I43 in the motor switch 36. From the other side of the circuit breaker G43, a wire I44 leads to one of the contact points, as point 88, of the master switch 33. The other contact point 89 of said switch, is connected by a lead I46 with that point I3I on the jack I29 with which the wire I34 from the source of current is connected. A wire I41 extends between the lead I46'and the other side of the pilot lamp H9. The above described circuit controls the energization of the electromagnet.

To complete the motor energizing circuit, a wire I48 connects the point 032 on the jack I29 with the circuit breaker I49 in the motor switch 86 and a wire I59 connects the other side of said circuit breaker I49 with the wire I44. The clutch switch is connected in shunt or parallel with the motor switch 86 by providing a lead I5I between one of the clutch-switch contacts H4 and the lead I42 and a lead I52 between the other one of the switch contacts II 4 and the wire I59.

Tracing the various circuits, the circuit for driving the motor 22 is as follows: From the plug I35 current flows through wire I33, point I38, lead I36, winding of the motor 22, lead I31, point I32, wire I48, circuit breaker I49 of motor switch 86, wires I59 and I44, contact point 88, conductor 9|, contact point 89, lead I46, point I3I and wire I34 to the plug I 35. It will be seen that the motor can only be energized when the motor switch 86 is closed and when the electromagnetic device 15 is energized to hold the conductor 9| incircuit closing contact with points 88, 89. Consequently, upon an interruption of the energizing circuit for the electromagnetic device 15, the motor energizing circuit will be interrupted by the movement 4 of conductor 9I with the armature out of engagement with the points 88, 89. As has been pointed out, such movement of the armature trips the mechanical interlock by which pressure is maintained between the wringer rolls 48, 4I so that the eflect of interrupting the energizing circuit of the electromagnetic device is to simultaneously stop the driving motor 22.and relieve the pressure between the wringer rolls.

The energizing circuit for the electromagnetic 6 device is aa follows: From the plug I35 through wire I33, point I30, wires I38 and I39, winding i 40 of the electromagnet. lead I, contacts I83 1 of impact switch 84, lead I42, circuit breaker I43 of motor switch 86, wire I44, contact points 89, 7

89 and conductor 9|, lead I46, point I3I and wire I34 to the plug i35. Thus, the impact switch 34 is connected in series with the winding I48 of the electromagnetic device, with the circuit breaker N3 of the motor switch 86, and with the 7.

v master switch 83. If the motor switch is open, the energizing circuit through the electromagnetic device may be completed through lead II from lead I42, contacts I I4 of clutch switch 85, lead I52, and wire I50 to wire I44 and thence through the master switch 83 to the source of current asibefore.

In describing the operation of the present device, it will be considered that the electromagnetic device is energized whereby to hold the master switch 83 closed and the mechanical release mechanism of the wringer against releasing movement. Obviously, since the mechanical release mechanism is so held only when the electromagnetic device is energized, any interruption of current flow to the electromagnetic device, as by blowing a fuse, breaking the circuit of the main power line, breaking the circuit from the power line by disconnecting the plug I35 or jack I29,

will beeffective to trip the mechanical release mechanism and relieve the pressure between the wringer rolls. Consequently, the wringer rolls can only be maintained in operative condition with pressure exerted therebetween when the washing machine as a whole is properly connected with the source of current.

If, while the mechanism is so connected, either one of the impact bars I05. is moved in either direction, the contacts I03 of theimpact switch 84 are separated to break the circuit therethrough and, since the impact switch 84 is connected in series with the winding of the electromagnetic device I5, the energizing circuit therefor is broken to open switch 83, stop the motor and relieve the pressure between the wringer rolls. When the device is in operative condition, the motor switch 86 may be manipulated to break-the circuits therethrough and stop the motor. Such manipulation of the switch 88 does not result in deenergizatlon of the electromagnetic device as long as the clutch switch is closed, since the clutch switch is included in a parallel circuit around the motor switch 88. However, it has been pointed out that the 'clutch'switch 05 isbe reassembled as long as the clutch switch is open.

Should the operator strike the finger piece I4 on the lever 51, the roller. II will cam past the holding face of the hook 12 and thereby open the master switch 83 to break the circuits through the electromagnetic device andthe motor, and at the same time relieve the pressure between the rolls.

The circuit through the pilot light H9 is established whenever the control-circuit is properly energized with the source of current, since the light is connected across the wire I38 and lead I46 which are in direct connection with the source of current through the Jack I28.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that a novel mechanism has been provided in which every consideration is given to the safety of the' cated by means of a pilot light. When the mechanism has once been set for .operation, a relatively slight movement of one of the impact bars I05 in either direction or movement of the lever 01 is immediatelyefiective to relieve the pressure between the wringer rolls and to stop the driving motor. If, while the mechanism is set. the operator, wishes to discontinue the motor drive, he may do so by manipulating the motor switch 86 providing the wringer rolls are not then drivingly engaged through the clutch mechanism with the power shaft. Even if. the motor is idle while the mechanism is set, movement of the impact bars I05 or the lever 01, or manipulation of the clutchshaft 29 out of neutral position will relieve pressure between the wringer rolls. In effect, therefore, each of the above features contributes toward the inherent safety of the present mechanism.

In addition, the mechanism embodies means whereby the entire force of the pressure-on the wringer rolls can never be exertedbetween the separable parts of the mechanism but instead thereof in either direction to interrupt the circuit to said electromagnet whereby the roll holding means is released to free the rolls for separating movement. r v

2. In a wringer, the combination of a frame having rolls mounted therein, means for latching said rolls in contiguous position, electromagnetic means for. controlling the latching means, and means including a member associated with the frame and capable of being pulled away from said frame by the operator to interrupt the circult to said electromagnetic means.

3. In awringer, the combination of a frame having rolls mounted therein, anelectric circuit including an electromagnet and a circuit breaker, means including a device adapted to be attracted and held by said electromagnet when energized for holding said rolls in contiguous position, and means mounted adjacent to the rolls for movement toward and away from the frame for actuating said circuit breaker upon such movement in either directionl 4; In a wringer, the combination of a frame having rolls mounted therein, releasable means for holdingsaid rolls in operative relation, means 'for driving said rolls including a clutch device,

and means operatively controlled by said clutch device for rendering the roll holding means ineffective when the clutch device is thrown into' engagement while the power of said driving means is disconnected.

, 5. In a wringer, the combination of a frame having rolls mountedtherein, means including electromagnetic -means for holding the rolls in operative relation when said electromagnetic means is energized, means for driving the rolls including an electric motor and a clutch, and 75 means for breaking the circuits to the electromagnetic means and motor either when the clutch is moved into engagement while the motor is idle or when the motor is shut off while the tion, and means controlling said first mentioned means to effect release of said rolls for separating movement upon any actuation of said switch when said clutch is in other than a neutral position.

7. In a wringer, the combination of a pair of rolls arranged to move toward and away from each other, means for maintaining said rolls in operative relation, means for driving said rolls including an electric motor and a connecting clutch, a switch for controlling ,motor operation, and means controlling said first mentioned means to prevent assembly of said rolls into operative relation when said clutch is engaged while said switch is open.

8. An electrically operated safety release mechanism for wringers or the like having relatively shiftable members, and releasable means for holding said members in operative relation comprising, in combination, an electromagnetic device for controlling the holding operation of said releasable means, a circuit including a switch and said electromagnetic device, and means sup-- releasable means, a circuit for energizing said electromagnetic device including a plurality of circuit breakers, and means operable in an emergency for opening the circuit by one or another of said circuit breakers.

10. An electrically operated safety release mechanism for wringers or the like having relatively shiftable members and releasable means for holding said members in operative relation comprising, in combination, an electromagnetic device for controlling the holding operation of said releasable means, a driving motor, a main control switch, a normally closed switch, and a circuit including said switches and said electromagnetic device, said normally closed switch being conne ted in series with said electromagnetic device and in parallel with said main control switch and motor, and said main control switch being connected in series with said motor whereby the main control switch may be actuated without deenergizing said electromagnetic device and said device will be deenergized whenever both switches are open.

11. A safety device for mechanism having two relatively shiftable members one of which is a roll, releasable means for holding said members in operative relation, and means for driving the roll, comprising, in combination, an electrically operated device for maintaining said means against release, a control switch, a second switch, a" circuit including said switches and said device, and means for opening the circuit through said second switch when the roll is driven.

A safety device for mechanism having two relatively shiftable members one of which is a roll, releasable means for holding said members in operative relation, and means for driving the roll comprising, in combination, an electrically operated device for maintaining said releasable means against release, a control switch, a second switch, a circuit including said device and said control switch, a shunt circuit around said control switch and including said second switch, and means for opening said second switch when the roll is connected with the means for driving same.

3. A safety device for mechanism having two relatively shiftable members one of which is a roll, releasable means for holding said members in operative relation, an electric motor for driving the roll comprising, in combination, an electrically operated device for maintaining said means against release, a control switch, a second switch, a circuit including said control switch and motor, a second circuit including said device and said second switch and connected in parallel with said control switch, and means for opening said second switch when the roll is drivingly connected with the motor whereby the circuit through the control switch may be broken without interrupting a circuit through said device only when the motor is drivingly disconnected from said roll.

14. A safety device for mechanism having two relatively shiftablemembers one of which is a roll, releasable means for holding said members in operative relation, and an electric motor for driving said roll comprising, in combination, electrically actuated means for maintaining said means against release, a motor circuit adapted to be closed only when the holding means is so maintained against release, and a pair of' normally closed circuit breakers interposed in the energizing circuit for said electrically actuated means, one of said circuit breakers being connected to deenergize said electrically actuated means whenever said circuit breaker is opened, and the other of said circuit breakers being connected to deenergize said electrically actuated means only if said roll is drivingly connected with said motor.

15. A safety device for mechanism having two relatively shiftable members one of which is a roll, releasable means for holding said members in operative relation, and an electric motor for driving said roll comprising, in combination, electrically actuated means for maintaining said means against release, a motor circuit adapted to be closed only when the holding means is so maintained against release, and a pair of normally closed circuit breakers interposed in the energizing circuit for said electrically actuated means,

' one of said circuit breakers being connected to deenergize said electrically actuated means whenever said circuit breaker is opened, and the other of said circuit breakers being connected to deenergize said electrically actuated means only if said roll is drivingly connected with said motor, and means for independently interrupting motor operation when both of said circuit breakers are closed. V

16. In a wringer mechanism, the combination of wringer rolls, means for releasably maintaining said rolls in operative relation including electrically operable safety release mechanism for releasing said rolls for separating movement and a control circuit for said mechanism, and a shunt circuit across said control circuit including a pilot erative pressure to said rolls only when the frame sections are correlated, and electromagnetically controlled means for holding said frame sections correlated.

18. A wringer comprising, in combination, a wringer frame having'separable sections, rolls mounted in the frame for movement toward and away from each other, releasable latching mechanism for operatively connecting said separable sections, and an electromagnetic device for main taining said latching mechanism in operative condition.

19. A wringer comprising, in combination, a wringer frame having separable sections, a pair of wringer rolls mounted in the frame, one of said rolls being movable with one of said separable sections, means for latching said sections together to maintain the rolls in cooperative relationship, and an electromagnetic device arranged when energized to maintain the latching means operative.

20. A wringer comprising in combination, a

wringer frame having separable sections, a pair of wringer rolls mounted in the frame, means for creating pressure between the rolls, means for latching said sections operatively together to maintain the rolls in cooperative relationship, and an electromagnetic device acting when energized to maintain the latching means operative, said pressure creating means being instantly affective to release the latching means upon deenergization of the electromagnetic device.

21. In a wringer, the combination of separable frame sections having cooperating wringer rolls therein, means for creating pressure on the rolls,

latches for maintaining said sections in operative relation against the separating force exerted by the pressure on the rolls, said latches being incapable alone of so maintaining said sections,

and means for holding the latches againstrelease, the latches and the holding means therefor including a leverage system arranged to in- ,crease the effective force exerted by the holding means in opposition to the pressure onthe rolls, whereby a small force which may be easily overcome by a relatively light touch on the operators part is ample to hold the latches against release.

22. A wringer comprising, in combination, a frame member having channeled side members,

a head fitt ng over said members, wringer rolls having shafts extending into the channels in said side members, bearings in the channels for said shafts, U-shaped latching members supported by the'head to depend into the channels in embracing relation to the corresponding bearings and shafts, means providing a latching interengagement between one of the latching members and the frame upon lateral movement of the head relative to the frame, a pivoted catch device on the frame member movable to engage the other latching member, a lever disposed exteriorly of said frame, and connected with said catch device for moving same, and means releasably engaging said lever to hold the catch device in engagement with thelast mentioned latching. member; 3 I

23. A wringer comprising, in combination, a

frame member having channeled side members,

a head fitting over said members, wringer rolls having shafts extending into the channels in said side members, bearings in the channels for said shafts, U-shaped latching members supported by the head to depend into the channels in embracing relation to the associated bearings and shafts, means providing a latching interengage ment between one of the latching members and the frame upon lateral movement of the head relative to the frame, a catch device on the frame movable to engage the other latch member, a lever connected with said catch device for moving same, means releasably holding said lever to maintain the catch device in engagement with the latch, and means on the frame normally spaced from the base portions of the latches but engageable thereby to limit the extent of separating movement of the head from the frame.

24. In a wringer, the combination of a frame,

cooperating wringer rolls mounted in said frame,

means for latching said rolls in operative relation including a member extending along one side of said frame and movable in one direction to release the latching means and in another direction to effect engagement of the latching means, and an electromagnetic device having an armature movable relative thereto and arranged to maintain said member in position to effect engagement of the latching means.

25. In a wringer, the combination of cooperating wringer rolls, means for latching said rolls in operative relation including a member movable in one direction to release the latching meansand in another direction to effect engagement of the latching means, and an electromagnetic device having an armature movable relative thereto and arranged to hold said member in position to effect engagement of the latching means, said member having a part engageable with said armature in the movement of the member into such position to move the armature toward the electromagnetic device.

26. In a wringer, the combination of a pair of cooperating rolls, means for latching said rolls in operative position including a movable controlling member, an electromagnetic device for holding said controlling member in position to latch said rolls including an armature holding said member when the electromagnetic device is energized, and a circuit for energizing said'de vice including a switch operable to close the circuit as the armature moves toward engagement with its magnet.

27. In a wringer, the combination of a pair of cooperating rolls, means for latching said rolls in operative position including a movable controlling member, an electromagnetic device for holding said controlling member in position to latch said rolls including an armature engaging said member when the electromagnetic device is energized, said armature being engageable by said member as the member is moved to effect latching of the rolls and movable thereby toward the electromagnet, and an energizing circuit for the device including a circuit breaker operatively connected with said armature to be closed prior to engagement of the armature with the electrooperative position including a movable controlling member, and means for holding said controlling member against movement into a. latching position when the rolls are out of their cooperative relation.

29. In a wringer, the combination of a frame and a head movable relatively to separate, cooperating upper and lower rolls having shafts mounted'in the frame, bearings for supporting said shafts, a leaf spring carried by the head with the ends thereof overlying the bearings for the upper roll, means for tensioning the spring, U- shaped latch members carried by the head and extending into the frame, cooperating means carried by the frame for engagement with the latch members to unite the head and frame, and pins carried by the latch members and disposed intermediate the ends of the spring and the upper hearings to transmit the force of the spring to the bearings and thereby create pressure between the rolls, said latch members having slots therein in which said pins are mounted for limited movement with one end of each slot normally extending beyond the bearing face engaged by the associated pin, whereby when the latched connection is tripped the separating impulse imparted to the head by the spring thrust against the bearings is confined to the extent of movement of the pins into engagement with the ends of the slots.

30. In a wringer, the combination of a frame 7 having cooperating rolls joumaled therein, a

head mounted on said frame and having a pressure applying means for the rolls mounted therein, means for latching said head and frame together, devices carried by the: head for limited shifting movement relative thereto and so disposed as to transmit pressure from said applying means to said rolls, and means for unlatching the head for movement relative to said frame by the released force of said pressure applying means, said devices being shiftable thereby to one limit of movement whereby substantially to confine the expended force of the pressure applying means.

31. A clothes wringer comprising a sectional frame having therein wringer rolls,'and spring means for exerting pressure on the rolls, means housed within frame sections for latching said frame sections together to maintain said spring means under pressure, thelast mentioned means being normally incapable by: itself of resisting the spring pressure, and electromagnetic means for holding said last mentioned means in operatlve condition.

' 32. In a mechanism having cooperating pres-- sure elements mounted for movement toward and away from each other, the combination of means including a spring for releasably maintaining said elements in coacting relation under spring pressure, and means acting upon release of the first mentioned means to limit the relief of energy stored in said spring, the last mentioned means comprising devices acting normally to transmit the force of said spring to said pressure elements,-

said devices having'a limited range of movement so as to confine the action of said spring.

' 33. A clothes wringer comprising, in combination, a frame having relatively, movable sections, wringer rolls Journaled in bearings in said frame, means including a spring mounted in one section for applying pressure to the rolls through one pair of said bearings, releasable means for locking said frame sections together, and means for limiting the relief of tension on said spring when said locking means is released comprising shiftable elements which transmit pressure from said spring to said bearingaand operated mechanism.

stops for limiting the shifting movement of said elements when said locking means is released.

34. In a wringer having a frame and spring means for exerting pressure upon the wringer rolls, latch means for releasably maintaining said spring means in pressure applying condition including a member pivotally mounted within said frame, said latch means being normally insuflicient to resist the pressure exerted by the spring means, and holding mechanism engageable with said member to restrain said latch means against movement by said spring means.

35. A wringer comprising, in combination, a frame having rolls mounted therein, pressure applying means for exerting an operating pressure on said rolls, quick release means within said frame for maintaining said pressure applying means in operative condition including a member located externally of said frame, said quick re: lease means being normally incapable by itself of resisting exerted operating pressure, and means detachably engaging said member to releasably hold said quick release means in operative condition.

36. A wringer comprising, in combination, a frame having rolls mounted therein, pressure applying means for exerting an operating pressure on said rolls, quick release means within said frame for maintaining said pressure applying means in operative condition, said quick release means being normally incapable by itself of resisting exerted operating pressure, and means having a releasable connection with said quick release means for holding said quick release means in operative condition when connected and for releasing said quick-release means upon disconnection.

3'7. In a wringer, the combination of a frame having rolls mounted therein, means including an electromagnetic means for holding the rolls in for inaking and breaking a motor circuit.

39. In a wringer, the combination of rotatable wringer rolls, means forjholding said rolls in operative relation including electrically operated mechanism controlling the holding means, means for driving the rolls including an electric motor and a clutch mechanism, and means controlled .by said clutch mechanism for making and breaking a circuit for said motor and said electrically 40. In a wringer, the combination of wringer rolls, electrically controlled mechanism for holding said rolls under an operating pressure, driving means .for said rolls including a manipulable clutch device, and means controlled by said clutch device for making and "breaking a circuit for said electrically controlled mechanism.

41. In a wringer, the combination of rotatable wringer rolls, electrically operated mechanism for maintaining said rolls under operative pressure, driving means for rotating said rolls including an electric motor, a circuit controlling the action of said electrically operated mechanism and said motor and arranged to release pressure on the rolls and stop the motor when the circuit is broken, and a manipulable shunt circuit for independently controlling the action of said motor.

42. A wringer comprising, in combination, a frame having channeled side members, a head supported on said members, wringer rolls having shafts extending into the channels in said side members, bearings in the channels for said shafts, means for detachably securing one end of said head to a corresponding side member, a U-shaped latching member supported by the other end of said head to depend into the channel of its associated side member in embracing relation to the corresponding bearings and shafts, a catch device on the frame member movable to engage said latching member, and means detachably engaging said catch device for holding said catch device engaged with said latching member.

43. A wringer comprising, in combination, a frame having wringer rolls therein, a head supported by said frame, means for detachably securing one end of said head to said frame, a latching member for securing the other end of said head to said frame, a catch device on the frame movable to engage said latching member,

. a lever connected with said said catch device for movement therewith, and means releasably engaging saidlever to hold the catch device in engagement with said latching member.

44. In a wringer, the combination of rolls, a releasable means associated therewith for normally maintaining the rolls in a cooperating relationship 'and releasable to free the rolls for movement out of such relationship, including a member arranged to be moved by the operator to effect such release of the rollers, a driving motor, a control circuit for said motor, a circuit breaker in said circuit and connected with said member for conjoint actuation, and mechanical means rendered operable upon release of said rolls for positively preventing reestablishment of said circuit as long as the rolls are out of said cooperatingrelationship.

45. A wringer comprising, in combination, aset of rotary wringer rolls mounted for separating movement, means by which said rolls are releasably held in operative relation under spring pressure, and means for releasing said holding means to permit separation of said rolls, including a pair of release bars at opposite sides of the wringer, each of said bars having a horizontal portion extending along the rolls and two vertical portions positioned adjacent the ends of the rolls and extending through a horizontal plane passing between the rolls.

46. A wringer comprising, in combination, a set of rotary wringer rolls mounted for separating movement, means by which said rolls are releasably held in operative relation under spring pressure, and means for releasing said holdng means to permit. separation of said rolls, including an impact member extending lengthwise of and adjacent to the rolls, and two impact members extending crosswise of the rolls adjacent to the ends of the latter.

47. A wringer comprising, in combination, a set of rotary wringer rolls mounted for separating movement, means by which said rolls are releasably held in operative relation under spring pressure, and means for releasing said holding means to permit separation of said rolls, includ ing a horizontal impact member extending longitudinally in front of and adjacent to the upper roll, andtwo'vertical impact members extending crosswise of and adjacent to the ends of said rolls, said vertical members passing through-a horizontal plane which is .located between said rolls.

48. A wringer comprising, in combination, a

.set of 'rotary wringer rolls mounted for separating movement, means by which said rolls are releasably held in operative relation under spring pressure, and means for releasing said holding means to permit separation of said rolls, in-

cluding a pair of bail-shaped impact bars at opposite sides of the wringer and a pair of links located at the ends of the wringer and connecting the impact bars together for simultaneous movement, the intermediate portion of each of said bars extending horizontally in front of the upper wringer roll, and the end portions of each I bar extending downwardly from said intermediate portion through a horizontal plane passing between said rolls, said end portions being pivoted at their lower ends to the wringer structure.

49. A wringer comprising, in combination, a set of rotary wringer rolls mounted for separating movement, means by which said rolls are releasably held in operative relation under spring ,pressure, and means for releasing said holding means to permit separation of said rolls, including a pair of release bars at opposite sides of the wringer, each of said bars having vertical portions positioned adjacent the ends of the rolls and extending through a horizontal plane passing'between the rolls.

50. A wringer comprising, in combination, a set of rotary wringer rolls mounted for separating movement, means by which said rolls are releasably held in operative relation under spring pressure, and means for releasing said holding means to permit separation of said rolls, including means to be moved by the operator extending crosswise of the rolls adjacent to the ends and across the bite of the latter.

51. A wringer comprising, in combination, a set of rotary wringer rolls mounted for separating movement, means by which said rolls are releasably held in operative relation under spring pressure, and means for releasing said holding means to permit separation of said rolls, including a pair of bail-shaped impact bars at opposite sides of the wringer, a pair of links located at the ends of the wringer and connecting the impact bars together for simultaneous movement, the intermediate portion of each of said bars extending horizontally in front of the upper wringer roll, and the end portions of each bar extending downwardly from said intermediate portion through a horizontal plane passing between said rolls, and means for movably supporting the con- 53. In a wringer, the combination of wringer rolls supported for relative movementl. toward and away from each other, quickly releasable able back and forth as said means is released and I reset, and stop means movable as said quickly releasable means is released into the path of movement which is traversed by said part during the resetting operation thereof for preventing such resetting operation, said stop means being automatically retractable as the operator. manipulates the mechanism to reset the rolls.

54. In a wringer having a frame and spring means for exerting pressure upon the wringer rolls, latch means for releasably maintaining said spring means in' pressure applying condition including a" member pivotally mounted on said frame, said latch means being normally insufficient alone to resist the pressure exerted by the spring means, holding means engageable with said member to maintain said latch means against movement by said spring means, and means movable upon disengagement of said holding means from said member into a positionfor preventing accidental reengagement therebetween.

55. A wringer comprising, in combination,

' wringer rolls mounted for separating movement,

means by which said rolls are releasably held in operative relation under spring pressure, and means for releasing the holding means to permit separation of said rolls including means to be moved by the operator and located on opposite sides of said rolls to extend crosswise of the rolls adjacent to the ends and across the bite of the latter, and actuating means extending from one of the oppositely located means to the other and having an operating connection with said holding means. I

56. A wringer comprising, in combination, a' frame having a base, channeled side members and a separable head supported by said side members, means for applying pressure to said wringer rolls only when said head is operatively associated with said side members, means for detachably connecting one end of said head with the frame including alatch pivotally mounted on said base at the lower end of the side member associated with that end of the head, latch cooperating means connected with said head and extending through the channel of said associated side member for engagement by said latch, means responsive to the manipulative movements of the operator for releasably holding the latch in such engagement, and means for detachably connecting the other end of said head to said frame.

57. A wringer comprising, in combination, a frame member having a base and channeled side members, wringer rolls journaled in said side members, a separable head supported by said members, means for applying pressure to said wringer rolls when said head is operatively associated with said frame member, and means for detachably connecting said head to said frame including a latch pivotally mounted on said base below one of said side members, latch cooperating means connected with. said head to extend through the associated side member for engagement with said latch when'said head is operatively associated with said side member, means for pressure to said wringer rolls when said frame,

sections are operatively connected, and quickly releasable means for connecting said sections to maintain the wringer rolls under pressure or to release the pressure from said rolls and including an impositive latch on one of said sections, a cooperating member on the other of said sections engageable with said latch, means for effecting engagement between said latch andsaid cooperating member in the movement of said frame sections into assembled relation, and meansfor releasably holding said latch engaged with said cooperating member.

59. In a wringer, the combination of a frame section having a base and channeled side stiles, a head adapted telescopically to receive the upper ends of said stiles, rolls journaled in said side stiles and having means associated therewith for applying an operating pressure when the frame and head are assembled, interengaging means for detachably connecting one side stile and the head, means carried by the other end of the head to extend inwardly through the associated side stile to a point opposite said base, an impositive latch mounted on said base for engagement with said means to hold the frame and head assembled, means detachably connected with said latch for maintaining the latch against releasing movement, and means manipulable by the operator for freeing the latch for releasing movement including connected impact members disposed on opposite sides of the frame for movement toward and away from the frame, and a reciprocable bar interposed between said impact members for movement therewith.

60. In a wringer, the combination of a frame section having a base and channeled side stiles,

ahead adapted telescopically to receive the upper ends of said stiles, rolls journaled in said side stiles and having means associated therewith for applying an operating pressure when the frame and head-are assembled, interengaging means for detachably connecting one side stile and the head, means carried by the other end of the head to extend inwardly through the associated side stile to a point opposite said base, an impositive latch mounted on said base for engagement with said means to hold the frame and head assembled, means detachably connected with said latch for maintaining the latch against releasing movement, and means manipulable by the operator for freeing the latch for releasing movement including an impact member disposed on one side of the frame for movement toward and away from theframe, and a reciprocable bar connected with said impact bar for movement therewith. I

61. A wringer comprising, in combination, a frame, wringer rolls normally maintained under operative pressure, mechanismfor relieving the rolls of such pressure including a reciprocable member mounted for movement transversely of said frame and having a normal central position when the mechanism for relieving the rolls is in set condition, actuators for said mechanism comprising a U-shaped member disposed on each side of the frame with the sides thereof extending downwardly along the sides of the frame,"

by the operator and located on opposite sides of said frame adjacent to said rolls, and actuating means extending from one of the oppositely located means to the other and having an operating connection with said holding means.

WALTER K. VOSS. NICHOLAS L. E'I'I'EN. 

